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Simon Minty, a disability consultant and presenter, best known for being a co-host of the disability podcast BBC Ouch!, has joined the cast of Channel 4’s Gogglebox. Alongside his sister Jane, Simon was introduced to the Gogglebox family for the very first time on Friday 22nd October 2021. The series documents families and friends around the UK who are filmed for their observations and reactions to the previous week’s television from their own homes.

The Council for Disabled Children is working with NHS England to recruit one-off focus groups seeking the views of young people with learning disabilities on annual health checks. They are looking to recruit focus groups of up to 6 young people, aged 14 – 19 years old, with learning disabilities. From the focus groups, they will co-produce information, materials, and resources with young people to promote the importance of annual health checks. The expressions of interest are open until Wednesday 24th November.

Zumba fan Hannah Payton has become the UK’s first qualified instructor with Down’s syndrome. Hannah got hooked on the Latin aerobics routines during lockdown when she had to shield due to her condition. And when she finally met instructor Emma Golpys once gyms reopened, she became determined to qualify as a teacher herself. Hannah, 24, said: “I had a dream to be a Zumba instructor and it’s come true.

Irwin Mitchell Solicitors is hosting a drawing competition for children with additional needs where the winner’s artwork will feature on the front cover of their Christmas card. The lucky winner will also receive an iPad, while two runners up will each receive a £100 Amazon voucher. Once finished, take a picture of your drawing and email it to: christmascomp@irwinmitchell.com. Please include your name, age, where you’re from, and if anything inspired your design. Entries must be submitted by Monday 22 November.

Asda is rolling out ‘Quieter Hour’ and training more colleagues to better serve customers with additional needs. The new ‘Quieter Hour’ in our stores will last between 2-3pm Monday to Thursday and will see reduced noise levels in our stores to make visits more accessible for customers with additional needs.

The Asda Store Locator is also being updated to provide better accessibility information in each one of our stores, including information about changing places bathroom facilities, braille guns and hearing loops which are available in a number of stores across the country.